An apprenticeship is one of the most effective ways to gain the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to succeed in the construction industry. These programs are significantly shorter and more affordable than a traditional four-year degree. Anyone interested in joining the ranks of proud craftsmen should be on the lookout for these 5 qualities when choosing an apprenticeship program.
1. State-registered program.
In reality, anyone can slap the word “apprenticeship” on their program without having to meet any standards or criteria. This makes it significantly more difficult for people to sift through the dirt to find those golden opportunities. A great filter to use when digging for shining apprenticeships is to stick with registered programs. These programs are compliant with the high standards set forth by the National Apprenticeship Act. These requirements relate to the length of the programs, the training and experience offered, the qualifications of instructors, and other aspects that guarantee a great program.
2. Experience in the industry.
Undergoing an apprenticeship is an investment in your future career. As with any investment, you want to make sure you’re putting your time, energy, and financial resources towards a worthwhile option. That’s why it’s crucial to find a program with a lot of experience in the industry. An apprenticeship that’s only been running for a year won’t have nearly as much value to offer as a program that’s been in operation for a decade. In general, the longer an organization has hosted an apprenticeship, the more refined and targeted its offerings. This translates into more possibilities and experiences for you.
3. Job search support.
A quality construction apprenticeship provides you with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have an easy time finding a job. Sure, the industry is ripe with opportunities, but the job search is still a challenging process. Finding an apprenticeship program with post-graduation job search support can put you ahead of the competition and in front of the best employers in the industry.
4. Earning opportunities.
Another major factor to consider when choosing between construction apprenticeships is earning potential. Unfortunately, some people assume there’s no possibility to earn an income because some programs don’t offer it. In reality, there are many world-class apprenticeships where trainees have the ability to earn a competitive wage while developing the know-how and skills needed to land a rewarding job after graduation. Make sure to find a program that increases your earning potential as your skills increase. The higher you work your way up in the apprenticeship, the more valuable your offerings.
5. On-the-job training.
One of the primary advantages of pursuing an apprenticeship over a standard four-year degree is on-the-job training. While college classes focus on theoretical knowledge, apprenticeships stress real-world experience. However, the extent to which an apprenticeship highlights this hands-on work varies between each program. You’ll want to find a program that prioritizes this kind of training since it provides you with the practical knowledge and skills you’ll need to actually excel in the field. By the time you complete the program, you’ll feel comfortable performing the specialized work construction roles demand.
Further Reading: Essential Skills Craftsmen Bring to the Job
Why choose Madden Craftsmen’s apprenticeship program?
For decades, Madden Craftsmen has been helping people just like you gain the skills, hands-on experience, and expert knowledge needed to succeed in the construction industry through its comprehensive apprenticeship program. This state-registered program meets all federal, state, and local qualifications, and provides participants with opportunities to earn a living while completing their studies.
As a prominent construction staffing specialist, Madden Craftsmen also provides graduates with industry-leading job search support by highlighting open positions at some of the best construction employers in the area. If you’re interested in learning more about Madden’s apprenticeship, click here to read about the program in greater detail.
